PERPUSTAKAAN UMP

111111111111111111111111111111111111 0000092502

IMPACT OF AN• THROPOENiC ACTIVITY ON WATER QUALITY OF TASIK BIRU AT BUKIT IBAM, MUADZAM SHAH

MALINI A/P RAJA

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of B. Eng. (Hons.) Civil Engineering

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Earth Resources

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

JUNE 2014

Vi

ABSTRACT

The anthropogeflic activity is the impact of deterioration of current water quality status of Tasik Biru at Bukit Ibam, Muadzam Shah. Entirely, five sampling stations were selected within the study area in order to determine the current water quality characteristics. Both in-situ and ex-situ testing were conducted within the study area to test the selected parameters. From the experiment conducted, the average value of temperature and pH was 28.97°C and 8.19 respectively. Meanwhile, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand recorded the average amount of 7.03 mg/L, 12.41 mg/L and 6.0 mgIL respectively. The study water was in class I for parameters such as nitrate and iron based on National Water Quality Standard (NWQS),. Additionally, turbidity and chemical oxygen demand was classified in class hA whereas pH, phosphate and dissolved oxygen was categorized in class JIB in accordance with NWQS. The temperature was within normal ranges under class III, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and biochemical oxygen demand parameters came under class IV according to NWQS. According to DOE-WQI of Malaysia, the water sample collected from January to March was classified as class III, which ranging from 64-.20 to 73.63. The water in this class indicated that intensive water treatment is necessary for tolerant aquatic life. For seasonal basis, the study water also classified in class III with the range of 64.20 up to 69.94. This result showed that the wet season was polluted than dry season. Both the anthropogenic activities have affected the water quality status of the lake. Based on study, the mining activity that was carried out in the past has increased the total dissolved solids and heavy metals constituents. As the overall, this study water is moderately polluted. Thus, the water can be used for public water supply after treatment besides, was suitable for navigation uses and treated water transportation as well.

VII

ABSTRAK

Aktiviti antropogenik adalah kesan kemerosotan status kualiti air semasa Tasik Biru di Bukit Ibam, Muadzam Shah. Secara keseluruhannya, lima stesen persampelan telah dipilih dalam kawasan kajian untuk menentukan ciri-ciri kualiti air semasa. Kedua-dua kajian in-situ dan ex-situ telah dijalankan di kawasan kajian untuk menguji parameter yang telah dipilih. Daripada ujikaji yang dijalankan, nilai purata suhu dan pH masing-masing adalah sebanyak 28.97 C dan 8.19. Sementara itu, oksigen terlarut, permintaan oksigen kimia dan permintaan oksigen biokimia masing-masing mencatatkan jumlah purata 7.03 mg / L, 12.41 mg / L dan 6.0 mg / L. Air kajian adalah di dalam kelas I untuk parameter seperti nitrat dan besi berdasarkan Standard Kualiti Air Negara (NWQS). Selain itu, kekeruhan dan kimia permintaan oksigen telah dikelaskan dalam kelas hA manakala pH, fosfat dan oksigen terlarut dikategorikan dalam kelas JIB mengikut NWQS. Suhu adalah dalam julat normal iaitu dalam kelas III, kekonduksian elektrik, jumlah pepejal terlarut dan biokimia parameter permintaan oksigen berada di bawah kelas IV mengikut NWQS. Menurut JAS-WQI Malaysia, sampel air yang dikumpul dari Januani hingga Mac telah dikiasifikasikan sebagai kelas III, yang terdiri 64.20-73.63. Air di dalam kelas mi menunjukkan bahawa rawatan air intensif adalah perlu untuk kehidupan akuatik toleran. Bagi kategori musim, air kajian juga dikelaskan di dalam kelas III dengan julat sebanyak 64.20 sehingga 69.94. Keputusan mi menunjukkan bahawa musim hujan adalah lebih tercemar danipada musim kering. Kedua-dua aktiviti antropogenik telah memberi kesan kepada status kualiti air tasik tersebut. Berdasarkan kajian, aktiviti perlombongan yang telah dijalankan pada masa lalu telah meningkatkan jumlah pepejal terlarut dan logam berat. Secara keseluruhannya, air kajian mi berada di paras sederhana tercemar. Oleh itu, air mi yang boleh digunakan untuk bekalan air awam selepas rawatan dijalankan selain itu, air ml sesuai untuk kegunaan navigasi dan pengangkutan air dirawat.

VIII

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

SUPERVISOR'S DECLARATION

STUDENT'S DECLARATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

ABSTRACT vi

ABSTRAK vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS viii

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xvi

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study 1

1.2 Problem Statement 2

1.3 Significance of Study 2

1.4 Objectives 2

1.5 Scope of Research 3

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction 4

2.2 Importance of Water 4

2.3 Effect of Land Use on Water Quality 5

2.4 Causes and Sources of Pollution Due to Mining 6 2.4.1 Mining Activity in the Past

6

2.4.2 Current Rock Quarrying Activity 7

2.5 Water Quality Parameters 8

2.6 Physical Parameters 8 2.6.1 Total Suspended Solids (TDS)

8

ix

2.6.2 Turbidity 9 2.3.1 Temperature 9

2.7 Chemical Parameters Parameters 10 2.7.1 pH 10 2.7.2 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 10 2.7.3 Electrical Conductivity (EC) 11 2.7.4 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 12 2.7.5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 12 2.7.6 Biohemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 13 2.7.7 Total Hardness 13 2.7.8 Nitrate (NO3 ) 14 2.7.9 Phosphate (PO43 ) 14 2.7.10 Sulphate (SO42) 15

2.8 Heavy Metals 15 2.8.1 Lead(Pb) 15 2.8.2 Chromium (Cr) 16 2.8.3 Cadmium (Cd) 16 2.8.4 Copper (Cu) 17 2.8.5 Nickel (Ni) 17 2.8.6 Zinc(Zn) 17 2.8.7 Cobalt (Co) 18 2.8.8 Iron (Fe) 18

2.8 Water Quality Index (WQI) 18

2.9 Conclusion

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY REVIEW

3.1 Introduction 21

3.2 Study Area 21 13.3 Flowchart for Research Methodology 23 3.4 Sample Collection 24 3.5 Preservation Techniques of Water Sample 24 3.6 Sample Analysis 25 3.7 Statistical Analysis 26 3.8 Duration for Sampling 26 3.9 Location and Coordinates of Stations 26 3.10 Methods of Testing 28

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3.11 Conclusion 31

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Introduction 33

4.2 Physical Parameters 34 4.2.1 Total Suspended Solids (TDS) 34 4.2.2 Turbidity 36 4.2.3 Temperature 38

4.3 Chemical Parameters Parameters 40 4.3.1 pH 40 4.3.2 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 42 4.3.3 Electrical Conductivity (EC) 44 4.3.4 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 46 4.3.5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 48 4.3.6 Biohemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) 50 4.3.7 Total. Hardness 52 4.3.8 Nitrate (NO3 ) 54 4.3.9 Phosphate (PO43 ) 56 4.3.10 Sulphate (SO42 ) 58

4.4 Heavy Metals 60 4.4.1 Lead (Pb) 60 4.4.2 Chromium (Cr) 62 4.4.3 Cadmium (Cd) 64 4.4.4 Copper (Cu) 66 4.4.5 Nickel (Ni) 68 4.4.6 Zinc (Zn) 70 4.4.7 Cobalt (Co) 72 4.4.8 Iron (Fe) 74

4.5 Water Quality Index (WQI) 76 4.5.1 Monthly 76 4.5.2 Seasonal

4.6 Impact of Anthropogenic Activity on Water Quality Testing 78

4.7 Conclusion 78

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion 80

xi

5.2 Recommendations 81 5.2.1 Pollution Monitoring 81 5.2.2 Zoning and Land Use 82 5.2.3 Future Study 82

REFERENCES 84

APPENDICES 85

A National Water Quality Standard (NWQS) 85

B Results of Water Quality Parameters 86

C WQI Calculation 88

D Sample of Calculation for BOD 94

B Sample of Calculation for TSS 97

F Sample of Calculation for Total Hardness 100

XII

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

2.1 Water classification according to hardness range 13

2.2 Water quality status according to Water Quality Index 19

3.1 Date for sample collection 26

3.2 Location coordinates for sampling points at the study area 27

3.3 Methods of testing the parameters 28

4.1 Score of WQI at different station according to month 76

4.2 Score of WQI at different station according to 77

XIII

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

2.1 Global water consumption for year 1900-2025 5

3.1 Map of study area (Tasik Biru) 22

3.2 Flowchart of the research activities 23

4.1 Concentration of total suspended solids at different station according to month 34

4.2 Comparison of total suspended solids at different station according to season 35

4.3 Variation of turbidity at different station according to month 36

4.4 Comparison of turbidity at different station according to season 37

4.5 Variation of temperature at different station according to month 38

4.6 Comparison of temperature at different station according to season 39

4.7 Variation of pH at different station according to month 40

4.8 Comparison of pH at different station according to season 41

4.9 Concentration of dissolved oxygen at different station according to month 42

4.10 Variation of dissolved oxygen at different station according to season 43

4.11 Variation of electrical conductivity at different station according to month 44

4.12 Comparison of electrical conductivity at different station according to season 45

4.13 Concentration of total dissolved solids at different station according to month 46

4.14 Comparison of total dissolved solids at different station according to season 47

4.15 Concentration of chemical oxygen demand at different station according to month 48

4.16 Variation of chemical oxygen demand at different station according to season 49

4.17 Concentration of biochemical oxygen demand at different station according to month 50

4.18 Variation of biochemical oxygen demand at different station according to season 51

4.19 Concentration of total hardness at different station according to month 52

4.20 Variation of total hardness at different station according to season 53

4.21 Concentration of nitrate at different station according to month 54

4.22 Comparison of nitrate at different station according to season 55

4.23 Concentration of phosphate at different station according to month 56

4.24 Comparison of phosphate at different station according to season 57

4.25 Concentration of sulphate at different station according to month 58

4.26 Comparison of sulphate at different station according to season 59

4.27 Concentration of lead at different station according to month 60

4.28 Comparison of lead at different station according to season 61

4.29 Concentration of chromium at different station according to month 62

4.30 Concentration of chromium at different station according to month 63

4.31 Concentration of cadmium at different station according to month 64

4.32 Comparison of cadmium at different station according to season 65

4.33 Concentration of copper at different station according to month 66

4.34 Comparison of copper at different station according to season 67

4.35 Concentration of nickel at different station according to month 68

4.36 Comparison of nickel at different station according to season 69

4.37 Concentration of zinc at different station according to month 70

4.38 Comparison of zinc at different station according to season 71

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xv

4.39 Concentration of cobalt at different station according to month 72

4.40 Comparison of cobalt at different station according to season 73

4.41 Concentration of iron at different station according to month 74

4.42 Comparison of iron at different station according to season 75

4.43 Class III score of WQI at different station according to month 76

4.44 Class III score of WQI at different station according to season 77

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand

Cd Cadmium

Co Cobalt

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

Cr Chromium

Cu Copper

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EC Electrical Conductivity

Fe Iron.

GPS Global Positioning System

Ni Nickel

NO3 Nitrate

Pb Lead

PO43 Phosphate

SO42 Sulphate

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

TSS Total Suspended Solids

Zn Zinc

xvi

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Our world depends on surface water such as rivers, lakes and canals for about

one third as the sources of drinking water (Gasim, 2006). As the example, a study

conducted by Ochieng et al. (2010) showed that Up to 70% of people in South Africa

rely on surface water sources from both urban and rural areas. This cause water source

to be insufficient to support the people needs.

This phenomenon is also rising in our own country, where water source is

getting scarce. According to National Water Quality Standard of Malaysia, the range of

Titiwangsa lake is in class 2, which is beyond the natural concentration resulting from

rapid population growth, enlarged urbanization and increasing industrial based activities

(Said et al., 2012). The local people activities produce both organic and inorganic

surplus that were discharged into Chini lake and resulting in deterioration of its water

quality status (Gasim, 2006).

Tasik Bjru is a natural lake from the former iron ore mining. Lake is known as

"tasik" among the local people, and "biru" refers to blue. According to the draft of the

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PotyMet mining project, the former iron

ore mining pit was filled with water and overspill into the Partridge River after the

closure of about 45 years age. After some time, the chemical and biological reaction

took place and thus changed the water quality (Gammons et al., 2009). A similar

incident had occurred in a Tasik Biru where the lake is still likely to contain heavy

metals that deteriorate its water quality, even after the mine's closure.

2

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Nowadays, the water quality is deteriorating due to the anthropogenic activity

that was carried out. There was mining activity being actively carried held within the

lake in the past. Moreover, rock quarrying activity is currently taking place near the

study area that leads to the degradation of its water quality status. This lake has the

potential to be developed as a recreational area, but the current quality of the water has

not been studied. There is a possibility that the water of this lake can harm the aquatic

lives if fish farming activities performed here, since it is a former iron ore mining site.

This can be proven through (Muiruri, 2013) where the fish has detrimental effects over

heavy metal contained in the contaminated water because it has very close contact with

the water that carries the heavy metals through its gills during breathing mechanism.

But, if the content of the water quality status is identified, we could utilize hundreds of

gallons of water for various purposes. Mostly, the deserted mine lakes could function

for various purposes including fishing, irrigation, and further domestic and industrial

purposes such as bathing, laundry and for block making if proper research was done as

being stated by Gyang and Ashano (2010).

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study in this lake allows us to identify the impact of anthropogenic activity

on the present water quality of Tasik Biru at Bukit Ibam. This study also enables us

know the heavy metal constituents and related parameters of the water. Through this

research, the current water quality of the lake was identified in order to develop the lake

as one of the recreational areas in Pahang in upcoming time. This research can be

ultimately helpful for policy makers to make decisions in order to save the lake in the future. By determining the water quality status, the area can be make use for a variety of

functions if it is managed appropriately.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the research are as follows: > To determine the current water quality status of Tasik Biru at Bukit Ibam.

To investigate the impact of anthropogenic activity on the water quality of Tasik

Biru at Bukit Ibam.

1.5 SCOPE OF RESEARCH

In order to accomplish the objectives of this research, the scope of study was

focused on determining the current water quality status of Tasik Biru and the impact of

anthropogenic activity on its water quality. The anthropogenic activity here referred to

the iron ore mining activity that has been carried out during the year of 1960s.

The three bottles of sample water was taken from each sampling station within

the study area, which is Tasik Biru at Bukit Ibam located in Muadzarn Shah. Overall,

five specified sampling points which can be accessed from land were ascertained to

collect the samples for laboratory test and in-situ parameters measuring process. Both

laboratory testing and in-situ parameter measurements were involved in determining the

water quality status. The sample water collections were carried out three times, which is

once in every three weeks starting from 23 t January 2014 till 12th March 2014.

Specific methods and instruments were used to measure the parameters such as

total suspended solids, turbidity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical

conductivity, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen

demand, total hardness and nutrients in order to determine the current water quality

status of Tasik Biru. Conversely, atomic absorption spectrometer and spectrophotometer

were used to indicate heavy metal constituents in the lake water. Finally, the data that

directly affect the quality of the lake water were recorded.

CHAPTER 2.

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter focuses on researches that have been done related to this study.

This chapter also comparatively important since it acts as the basis for the study on

water quality of the study area. Here, the importance of water and the effects of land use

practices on water quality were discussed. In addition, the water quality parameters

were physical, chemical, biological nutrients and related heavy metals that were

examined as well.

2.2 IMPORTANCE OF WATER

Water consumption has increased globally to more than twice the rate of

population increase. This shows that the water usage is getting doubled within every 20

years, but less than 1% of it is potable. However, over the past 50 years, water supplies

become limited due to the deterioration of water quality in many of the areas that lead to

health hazards (Prodi, 2003).

Water is very essential for all life, including humans who often depend on

supply of water in food production, economy, health and environment (Ryerson, 2010).

About 70% of current demand for water supply was from agriculture, whereas the

leftover from household, urban and industrial utilization and consumption (Prodi, 2003).

By the year 2050, the world population is expected to grow to 9 billion people.

Therefore, the water supply needs rise eventually. Figure 2.1 shows the global water

5

consumption from year 1900 to 2025 for every region; Figure 2.1 indicated that the

water needs is escalating for every region, with Asia at the leading stage followed by

other regions (Ryerson, 2010).

Global Water Consumption 1900 - 2025 (by region, in billions rn3 per year)

6,000 ''-- 1 t —DWorid 0 Europe

5,000 - D North .America - 0 south ArnèrlOa ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

0 Africa 4,000 - Asia

3,000

2.000-

1 :::ow-

0 I I . 1900 1940 1950 1:960 1970 1980 1990 1995 2000 .2010 2025

Figure 2.1: Global water consumption for year 1900 —2025

Adapted from: Ryerson, 2010.

2.3 EFFECT OF LAND USE ON WATER QUALITY

The Earth's crust was disturbed during mineral extraction for industrial usage.

When mining activity took place, the life patterns of living things on the crust was

troubled consequence in loss of biodiversity. Both active and inactive mining

excavation generated direct relationship between ground water and land surface, in term

of water source contamination. Here, heavy metals leakage caused hazards in addition

to the oxidation of exposed minerals that lead towards acid mine drainage. Materials

drainage from dumping mines proceeded as surface water and ground water

contamination scenario for years, even 'after mining operations, have been closed. The

6

plentiful mine lake, overload and mine tailings have adverse effect to the environment

since it was considered as death traps as stated by Gyang and Ashano (2010).

The pollutants produced from mining were almost same with the one produced

from other industries. But, various mining activities generated a variety of heavy metals,

minerals and solids into watercourses which created trouble to all direct or indirect

water dependent life. Polluted water from mining was out of use as a potable water

source. It has unattractive colour, taste, odour, turbidity, unsafe chemical contents,

heavy metals, Organic matter contents, oily substance, radioactivity, more total

dissolved solids, acids and alkalis. This endangered the health of human and animals

since pollution causing constituents can act as toxins and creating severe health risk to

living organisms if not carefully handled as proved by Rout and Das (2012).

But nowadays, the former mining lake was used for domestic, irrigation, and

industrial purposes if it was handled wisely as stated by Gyang and Ashano (2010).

Therefore, Tasik Biru also has the potential to be developed and beneficial for those

purposes since iron mining activity have been carried out there in the past. Adding to

that, usually mine water was not hazardous and the left over mine pits can served as

aquifers as affirmed by Rout and Das (2012).

2.4 CAUSES OF POLLUTION DUE TO ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITY

2.4.1 Mining Activity in the Past

On the whole, there were eight categories of water pollutants which referred to

oxygen demanding waste, plant nutrients, organic chemicals, inorganic elements and

compounds, infectious agents, sediments, heat and radioactive materials. These

Pollutants caused pollution to the water in various ways but regularly they caused a

detrimental alteration towards the environment. This modification were finally or

potentially affect the human life, and living conditions including the life cycles of

animals and plants (Chiang, 2010).

7

Pollution occurred when leakage of mineral containing water entered into

surface water or aquifer System. The mine water consists of high concentration of salt

and large constituents of iron, sulphates and heavy metals derived from natural

resources or mining equipments used. Metal mining water contained a mixture of heavy

metals that were either toxic or non-toxic. Here, the salts were freed into working area

when the mining operation occurred. Commonly, the presence of salts leads to rise in

salinity which increases the depth of water below its surface as stated by Rout and Das

(2012).

In addition to that, rebounding of mine water caused pollution to the surface

water in mining. This scenario referred to the return of the mine water into mining area

or its surface in case pumping action was completely stopped. This was due to the

reason that, pumping procedure allowed for drainage and prevention of mine water from

entering back into the mining area. Mining subsidence was expected to stimulate

breakage in overlying strata, improving its hydraulic conductivity, and generating new

path for mine water to travel upward. This upward moving water likely brings pollution

to potable water supply abstraction. But, the mine water was not dangerous and the

discarded mine pits function as aquifers most of the times as stated by Rout and Das

(2012).

2.4.2 Current Rock Quarrying Activity

Engineering activities that related with quarrying works have directly changed

the condition of the surface water. The water surface flow can be interrupted by the

sinkholes that formed due to quarrying. In addition, the surface water flow was

modified by the blasting activity that took place in rock quarry site (Langer, 2010).

During rock quarrying activity, the polluted materials were carried into the

surface water, without experienced any filtration process. This occurrence naturally

degraded the water quality status of the lake. The polluted surface water has quickly

polluted the groundwater as well. Quarrying works generated fine debris that can be

carried into the surface water which finally caused degradation of its quality, especially

during the storm events (Langer, 2010).

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2.5 WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Some of the parameters that affected the water quality status of the water bodies

were physical, chemical and biological parameters. Physical parameters consisted of

color, total suspended solids, turbidity and temperature. Chemical parameters included

pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen

demand, biological oxygen demand and total hardness. Nutrients such as nitrate,

phosphate and sulphate were tested as well. Here, the heavy metals were also been

taken into account such as lead, chromium, cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, cobalt and

iron.

2.6 PHYSICAL PARAMETERS

Physical parameters refer to characteristics of water that respond towards sight,

taste, smell and touch. Some of the physical parameters tested were total suspended

solids, turbidity and temperature.

2.6.1 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Total suspended solids refer to all suspended particles or matters that are unable

to pass through a filter. Quantities of suspended solids were caused by the number of

colloidal and coarse particles dispersed in water. These suspended solids leading

towards unwanted troubles such as avoid photosynthesis process by preventing light

penetration, amplify heat absorption, worsen aesthetic value of water and blocking fish

gills (Chiang, 2010).

For rivers in Malaysia, the permissible range of total suspended solid is in the range of 25 to 50 mg/L, as been approved in National Water Quality Standards. On the

other hand, the threshold level of NQWS for total suspended solid is approximately 150

mg/L, which is the suitable condition for the survival of aquatic life in fresh water

ecosystems (Gasim, 2006). Total suspended solid has a positive relationship with

turbidity and has a negative relationship with temperature, pH, clarity and biochemical

Oxygen demand. According to National Water Quality Standards, utmost totals

9

suspended solids level for Malaysian surface water is in between 25 to 50 mg/L while

for sustaining aquatic life in an ecosystem is around 150 mg/L. Thus, containing a

higher total suspended solids concentration was unpleasant and potentially harmful

(Islam, 2012).

2.6.2 Turbidity

Turbidity showed an indication for the presence of suspended substance such as

silt, clay, organic material which finely divided plankton, and other organic and

inorganic materials as stated by Gyang and Ashano (2010).

All natural water will surely have some dissolved solids in it in consequence of

weathering and dissolution of soil and rock. When an identified volume of water sample

was filtered off, and the residue left was weighted, it is known as suspended solids.

Some part of the suspended solids performed as conductors and contributed towards

turbidity state. The quantity of species and organisms lessen when a stream received

more suspended solid load, as they was backed off from the turbid water. Turbidity

have positive correlation with total suspended solids, whereas negative link with pH and

temperature (Islam, 2012).

The adequate limit of water for domestic purpose is in between 5 to 25 NTU, as

been set by International standards. There was none threshold level of turbidity in the

water that will support the marine life. Consequently, Malaysian Ministry of Health has

fixed a threshold level for the minor turbidity of water at 1000.00 NTU (Gasim, 2006).

Surface water such as mine lakes showed high levels of turbidity due to pumping of

water for irrigation purposes as proven by Gyang and Ashano (2010).

2.6.3 Temperature

The ability to retain heat in the stagnant lake water was higher, where the temperature went beyond 31°C especially during the precipitation months. The rise in

temperature leaded to decline in dissolved oxygen level because the metabolic rate of

the organism in the lake is escalating (Islam, 2012).

10

Typically water organisms adapted to survive in- a permitted temperature range

because temperature changes have changed their living environment. Water bodies

faced thermal pollution when water cooling takes place. This happened as a result of

returning warmer water from cooling process into the water system or discharging

heated effluents into water bodies. In the end, temperature rises have lethally affect the

water creatures (Chiang, 2010).

2.7 CHEMICAL PARAMETERS

Chemical parameters refer to the characteristics of water that capable to solvent

it. Some of the chemical parameters tested were pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical

conductivity, total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen

demand and total hardness.

2.7.1 pH

pH point for acidity and alkalinity measurement of water. Chemical processes

that occurred in a water system were greatly influenced by pH reading and this caused

indirect pollution via conversion of harmful substances that already present in the water

(Chiang, 2010).

Normally, the reading, indicated slightly acidic pH values where the water was

under Class III according to National Water Quality Standards. This was due to the

reason that, this pH condition occurred when carbon dioxide turn into carbonic acid in

the water. Basically, the pH threshold range in National Water Quality Standards for the

Malaysian rivers was in between 5.00 to 9.00 (Gasim, 2006). In a natural lake

ecosystem, the acidity level was from 4.5 to 6.5 and essentially, low pH founded in

organic matter rich water that was finally undergo decomposition (Islam, 2012).

2.7.2 Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

In the main, dissolved oxygen referred .to the quantity of oxygen enclosed in the

water depending on the aspect such as temperature, pressure and salinity. The solubility

11

of oxygen increased due to certain condition where the temperature was low, decreasing

salinity and increasing atmospheric pressure. It was one of the most significant

parameters that manipulate the condition of aquatic ecosystems, mortality of fishes,

odour and aesthetical feature of surface water. The surface area of water influenced the

rate of air-water interface in transmitting the oxygen. Thus, stagnant water consisted of

low oxygen concentration in contrast to flowing water, such as in a river, due to the

reason that accessible surface for oxygen absorption increased with water movement

(Chiang, 2010).

Dissolved oxygen referred to a vital constituent since every aquatic life required

it for their survival and when its amount falls than the normal limit, these creatures tend

to die (Chiang, 2010). According to Department of Environment (DOE), the dissolved

oxygen for Malaysian main rivers falls in the range of 3.00 to 5.00 mg/L (Gasim, 2006).

Declining water plant's photosynthesis rate, diminished oxygen solubility in water

column, disturbance in oxygen transfer within an air-water interface and uplifting

aerobic bacterial component's oxygen demands trimmed down the oxygen level of a

system (Chiang, 2010).

2.7.3 Electrical Conductivity (EC)

Conductivity reading positively interconnected with total dissolved solid and

sulphate content. Higher conductivity reading was gained due to activation of the iron

mining activities (Islam, 2012).

Electrical conductivity related with amount of inorganic ions that contained in

the water. The conductivity reading was increased with ions that present in the water

such as chloride, sodium, calcium and magnesium. Conductivity referred to act as an

indicator for water quality measurement. Rises in conductivity reading indicates the

existence of dissolved ions in the vicinity. Due to weathering of rock and dissolution, all

natural water has some dissolved solids in it. Few dissolved solids performed as

conductor that allowed for conductance. Water with higher level of dissolved solids was

potentially unhealthy and unpleasant. This kind of water have an adverse effect on

human, crops and animals (Paul, 2011).

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2.7.4 Total Dissolved Solid (TDS)

Fundamentally, the total dissolved solid for water samples that have been

collected in different seasons varied from 22.67 to 112.67 mgIL , which was the

permitted limit range of the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, National

Water Quality Standards stated that the water sample was in Class I when the total

dissolved solid value was lesser than 500 mg/L (Gasim, 2006). The concentration of

total dissolved solid of water sample near the mining area was higher. Total dissolved

solid has a significant positive relationship with electrical conductivity values (Islam,

2012).

Total dissolved solids involved the measurement of total salt in the form of

inorganic ions that was enclosed in the water. The release of wastewater containing high

total dissolved solids intensity caused negative impact on marine life, provide

unhealthy receiving water for consumption and household purposes, shrink crop yield

for irrigation, besides worsen deterioration of water networks (Paul, 2011).

2.7.5 Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

The chemical oxygen demand value has a positive connection with temperature.

This parameter has a threshold level of 50.00 mgIL for Malaysian surface water as

being declared in National Water Quality Standards. Both biological oxygen demand

and chemical oxygen demand value ascended with the raised in pollution load (Islam,

2012).

Chemical oxygen demand showed the quantity of oxygen needed to entirely

oxidize the organic substances contain in waste water by converting them into carbon

dioxide and water using a strong oxidant. In this test, potassium dichromate (K 2 2 Cr 0

7 )

was used since it has the superior oxidizing capability. The potassium chromate with the

existence of sulphuric acid (H 2 4 SO ) oxidized the organic matter and the sum of oxygen

used for the oxidizing process able to be determined (Paul, 2011).

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